Stories From the Pews of Faith*
Members of Faith share personal experiences that highlight God's love, mercy and guidance.
Chris Bettin
Most people––due to circumstances or personal choices––move from one church to another to hear the Word that nurtures their spiritual lives. But Chris Bettin astoundingly has spent 61 of his 62 years worshipping at Faith Lutheran Church, which, on June 5th, will be highlighted during the beginning of the church’s 75th anniversary celebration under the banner “Alive Together in Christ.”
Such longevity has given Bettin a front-row seat to a huge part of what Faith Lutheran Church has become. He’s witnessed its influence, its compassion and its overall importance. Further, he has gained invaluable insight and a unique perspective on what the church has meant to him and his family, the congregation, and the community in general.
During the most formative part of Bettin’s 61 years at Faith, there have been only four senior pastors who guided the church’s direction, all of whom, Bettin says, have impacted his life in wondrous ways. First, the late Pastor Ted Youngquist, who he describes as “an amazing spiritual teacher and leader, and one who was very old school”; Pastor Ken Stenman, who co-officiated he and his wife Arlene’s wedding ceremony on September 4, 1982, with Father Tom Paul at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, making Pastor Stenman the first Protestant pastor to perform those duties at that church; Pastor Jim Honig, who renewed their vows during a ceremony at Morton Arboretum; and Pastor Shelly Satran, who continues to be “profoundly influential on my faith.”
For the Bettins, Faith Lutheran Church has been a family affair, including Chris’ parents, Bill and Doris Bettin; his wife, Arlene, who converted from Catholicism; their children, Andrew and Nicole; and their grandson, Wesley, who was baptized this past Mother’s Day.
In anticipation of the church’s upcoming celebration, Bettin, a longtime public relations expert and coordinator of the Faith Art Gallery, shared some of his thoughts and recollections about spending six decades at the same church home.
Based on the 61 years you have spent at Faith Lutheran Church, how would you sum up the church’s 75-year history?
Looking back on the years that I’ve been at Faith Lutheran Church (at least those I can remember!), I would sum up Faith as being socially conscientious, engaged in the community, adaptable, evolving, and open-minded. Mind you, I don’t mean to sound effusive in my praise to the point of being Pollyannaish. To the contrary, often the pastors, Council, staff and members of Faith have had to work long and hard to mesh strongly differing viewpoints to reach the best possible decisions––accepting the probability that, no matter what, everyone in the congregation may not agree or be happy with the results. Witness the evolution of Faith’s new Welcome Statement, adopted during the January 2022 Congregation Meeting, as an example of the church’s social conscientiousness, adaptability, and open-mindedness. But it didn’t happen easily or overnight!
I would also describe Faith Church as being well-managed and sustainable. How’s that for secular?! But a church is, after all, a business—doing God’s work, yes, but in human terms a business, nonetheless. Faith has been blessed for three quarters of a century with remarkably faithful, dedicated, responsible, passionate pastoral and lay leaders who have devoted their time, energy and expertise to make sure Faith’s resources are used wisely to sustain the church while, at the same time, sharing generously with the local community and those around the globe. Think about this: While so many other churches have struggled to survive the pandemic, Faith has actually thrived during these challenging times. It’s a testament not only to the pastors, Council and staff but to the determined generosity of the membership as a whole.
What would be the magnitude of the void had Faith Lutheran Church never existed and not been a part of the larger faith community?
I believe that had Faith never existed the void would have been great—for Glen Ellyn, DuPage County, Illinois, the world! Through Faith House, DuPage United, Crop Walks, the food pantry, mission trips, God's Work Our Hands, and so many other “good works,” our congregation has had an immense impact on others who don’t sit beside us in church on Sunday mornings. And for the thousands of Lutherans who formed, comprised and sustained this community of believers all these years, and who built and reshaped our amazing church building in which to gather, worship, celebrate, mourn, and learn, I think the void would have been equally great.
Many people go from church to church, but you’ve been at Faith for basically your entire life of worship. Tell me about that experience; particularly being able to share it with your parents.
Faith Church has been overwhelmingly important in my life. Sunday School. Christmas Eve services were always so special. Good Friday services remain special to me. Confirmation. Faith has always intertwined in my life. Over the course of 61 years there have been countless important moments and relationships at Faith that have impacted my life. I can start with the most obvious, belonging to the same church for virtually my entire life that my parents, Doris and Bill Bettin, still attend has truly been influential. The example they set effortlessly for me and my siblings, Arlene and our children has been profoundly thoughtful, positive, and inspiring. We were never under any pressure to “conform.” The desire to belong to a church community in which to grow our faith and evolve as spiritual beings seemed to happen almost organically, like it was just naturally “the way it should be.” And because my parents made sure attending worship (Sunday School, confirmation, and other church activities) was joyful, following their example was a no-brainer––to the point that on this past Easter, I ushered with my 87-year-old dad at the 11 o’clock service. I was just so into the moment of being in this special place that was filled to the brim with people.
Can you think of an occurrence or two related to the church that might be considered what we are calling “foundational moments,” which are personal, church-related developments that have impacted, changed, influenced (etc.) your life?
Three specific moments during my life at Faith were particularly foundational. The first occurred when I was an acolyte. I was around 12 years old. I thoroughly enjoyed being an acolyte—participating in the offering and communion, lighting the candles at the start of the service and extinguishing them at the end, filling the font with water for baptisms, carrying banners as part of Easter morning processions. About those banners. One Easter I was excited to be carrying one of two beautiful banners as part of the procession led by the pastors. The church was practically bursting with the triumphant sound of the organ, and trumpets melded with hundreds of voices singing. I carried that banner right up to the front of the church, placed it in its stand and turned to take my seat. And down came the banner! You can imagine my horror! Easter Sunday, and I was the acolyte whose banner had come crashing down! That was it! I determined right then and there that I would never, ever again process in carrying a banner! I was inconsolable. My dad couldn’t change my mind. Pastor Youngquist couldn’t change my mind. I continued my duties as an acolyte, but for at least a month following I was pretty sure everyone in church knew me as the kid whose banner had fallen over on Easter morning! The next spring, about three weeks before Easter, Pastor Youngquist called my folks to ask me a special favor. He wanted me to carry a banner in the Easter morning procession. He was kind and encouraging, and he told me he knew I could do it. I was aghast, but saying “no” to Pastor Youngquist wasn’t an option. Three weeks of dread ensued. That morning, I was determined to do my best. Processing in, I felt more at ease. I carried that banner right up to the front of the church, placed it in its stand, and turned to take my seat. And down came the banner…again! But this time, surprisingly, I wasn’t overcome with horror and embarrassment like the year before. Instead, an odd sort of tranquility came over me. I picked up the banner, secured it in its stand, and took my seat. At that moment I realized two things: 1) That it’s easier to roll with life’s embarrassing moments than to let them roll over you; and 2) that we tend to forget God has an amazing, quirky sense of humor, especially at times when we are the butt of the joke!
Another foundational moment involved a time when I had a serious health scare that turned out to be a false alarm. But while Arlene and I were waiting to know the outcome of tests, I drove over to the church one afternoon and sat in the dark, quiet nave. I reflected, pondered, and prayed. Being there was positively restorative! I also spent time talking with the church nurse, Sue Cheshire, whose words were so calming and reassuring. When I went home, I felt like no matter what the test results showed Arlene and I were not alone and that we would have the strength to deal with it. I’m happy to say all is well that ends well. Since that day, the feeling I have whenever I’m in our church building is one of absolute peace, especially when it’s quiet and mostly empty of people, and I acutely feel God’s presence all around.
Finally, it was foundational to serve on the church Council as secretary for the last four years. In the best possible way, I will never view the church the same way I did before that experience. Each month this devoted group of church members was blessed with the wisdom, courage, compassion, and strength to accomplish our agenda on behalf of the congregation. And each month the experience was equal parts exhausting, humbling, and exhilarating.
We all think of the church’s main mission as one of saving souls. Can you think of examples where this church has stepped outside those boundaries to further establish itself as a pillar of the community?
I don’t think Faith has ever felt bound by what some may view as the church’s traditional role of “saving souls.” With God’s divine providence, Faith Church not only “saves souls” but feeds, informs, nurtures, shapes, and fuels them…and that’s just the start! Additionally, members have always been encouraged to work on others’ behalf through organizations and initiatives such as PADs, Faith House, DuPage United, the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry, Feed Our Starving Children, God's Work Our Hands, and by participating in Crop Walks and on mission trips, even if it means stepping outside their comfort zones.
How has your faith been nurtured and sustained at Faith to shape you into the man you have become, one who reflects the teachings of the church?
In reference to everything just mentioned, I would add the following: Faith Church has been formative in my development as a person and as a Christian. I’ve needed a lot of work (don’t we all!), and there’s more to accomplish. The evolving, learning, and growing only stop when we no longer have a say in the matter. I take great comfort, though, in knowing that Faith, its pastors, and its members will be there on my journey.
During my 61 years at Faith, I have been surrounded and shaped by wonderful examples. My parents’ large group of friends come readily to mind—the Stimes, Rahms, Lauths, Henningers, and so many other amazing Christians—who I met and grew up with at Faith. These folks, sometimes intentionally and other times unknowingly, instilled in me the value and importance of belonging to a church community. They showed me how to comport myself within that community. How to give back. I always looked up to them, and to this day I appreciate the role they played in my becoming who I am as a member of Faith and of the larger community.
Based on the congregation’s past and what you know about its present, what’s your level of optimism for the church’s future?
That’s a moving target. I think Faith Lutheran Church is as strong as the people who lead it, both pastoral and lay. Right now, I think our pastors––Pastor Shelly and Pastor Joe––are the dynamic duo. They are an amazing team. I love listening to both of them preach. I love the way they interact during a service. Having worked with them on Council, I just think they are so bright and so passionate. And they are youthful. It’s just awesome. You have them and Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry Kayla Feil and Office Administrator Eric Enskat. Oh, and Dr. Zach Zwahlen following Todd Carrico as Director of Music. All have been astounding. I think the Council is in good hands. So you have these incredible people. It’s courageous in the way they are bringing church to life for all of us. So right now it’s like all the stars are in alignment and the church is in great shape, but I think with the congregation we have, there is an energy and vibe now, and it’s partly attributed to youthfulness and passion. I see a very bright future for Faith. And I also see the involvement in the community that’s so important to Faith Church and its members. I think that also is going to make Faith very healthy and strong going forward.
There are many who agree wholeheartedly with Bettin’s assessment as the people of Faith, “Alive Together in Christ,” embark on a spiritual journey to the next 75 years.
Amen!
Most people––due to circumstances or personal choices––move from one church to another to hear the Word that nurtures their spiritual lives. But Chris Bettin astoundingly has spent 61 of his 62 years worshipping at Faith Lutheran Church, which, on June 5th, will be highlighted during the beginning of the church’s 75th anniversary celebration under the banner “Alive Together in Christ.”
Such longevity has given Bettin a front-row seat to a huge part of what Faith Lutheran Church has become. He’s witnessed its influence, its compassion and its overall importance. Further, he has gained invaluable insight and a unique perspective on what the church has meant to him and his family, the congregation, and the community in general.
During the most formative part of Bettin’s 61 years at Faith, there have been only four senior pastors who guided the church’s direction, all of whom, Bettin says, have impacted his life in wondrous ways. First, the late Pastor Ted Youngquist, who he describes as “an amazing spiritual teacher and leader, and one who was very old school”; Pastor Ken Stenman, who co-officiated he and his wife Arlene’s wedding ceremony on September 4, 1982, with Father Tom Paul at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, making Pastor Stenman the first Protestant pastor to perform those duties at that church; Pastor Jim Honig, who renewed their vows during a ceremony at Morton Arboretum; and Pastor Shelly Satran, who continues to be “profoundly influential on my faith.”
For the Bettins, Faith Lutheran Church has been a family affair, including Chris’ parents, Bill and Doris Bettin; his wife, Arlene, who converted from Catholicism; their children, Andrew and Nicole; and their grandson, Wesley, who was baptized this past Mother’s Day.
In anticipation of the church’s upcoming celebration, Bettin, a longtime public relations expert and coordinator of the Faith Art Gallery, shared some of his thoughts and recollections about spending six decades at the same church home.
Based on the 61 years you have spent at Faith Lutheran Church, how would you sum up the church’s 75-year history?
Looking back on the years that I’ve been at Faith Lutheran Church (at least those I can remember!), I would sum up Faith as being socially conscientious, engaged in the community, adaptable, evolving, and open-minded. Mind you, I don’t mean to sound effusive in my praise to the point of being Pollyannaish. To the contrary, often the pastors, Council, staff and members of Faith have had to work long and hard to mesh strongly differing viewpoints to reach the best possible decisions––accepting the probability that, no matter what, everyone in the congregation may not agree or be happy with the results. Witness the evolution of Faith’s new Welcome Statement, adopted during the January 2022 Congregation Meeting, as an example of the church’s social conscientiousness, adaptability, and open-mindedness. But it didn’t happen easily or overnight!
I would also describe Faith Church as being well-managed and sustainable. How’s that for secular?! But a church is, after all, a business—doing God’s work, yes, but in human terms a business, nonetheless. Faith has been blessed for three quarters of a century with remarkably faithful, dedicated, responsible, passionate pastoral and lay leaders who have devoted their time, energy and expertise to make sure Faith’s resources are used wisely to sustain the church while, at the same time, sharing generously with the local community and those around the globe. Think about this: While so many other churches have struggled to survive the pandemic, Faith has actually thrived during these challenging times. It’s a testament not only to the pastors, Council and staff but to the determined generosity of the membership as a whole.
What would be the magnitude of the void had Faith Lutheran Church never existed and not been a part of the larger faith community?
I believe that had Faith never existed the void would have been great—for Glen Ellyn, DuPage County, Illinois, the world! Through Faith House, DuPage United, Crop Walks, the food pantry, mission trips, God's Work Our Hands, and so many other “good works,” our congregation has had an immense impact on others who don’t sit beside us in church on Sunday mornings. And for the thousands of Lutherans who formed, comprised and sustained this community of believers all these years, and who built and reshaped our amazing church building in which to gather, worship, celebrate, mourn, and learn, I think the void would have been equally great.
Many people go from church to church, but you’ve been at Faith for basically your entire life of worship. Tell me about that experience; particularly being able to share it with your parents.
Faith Church has been overwhelmingly important in my life. Sunday School. Christmas Eve services were always so special. Good Friday services remain special to me. Confirmation. Faith has always intertwined in my life. Over the course of 61 years there have been countless important moments and relationships at Faith that have impacted my life. I can start with the most obvious, belonging to the same church for virtually my entire life that my parents, Doris and Bill Bettin, still attend has truly been influential. The example they set effortlessly for me and my siblings, Arlene and our children has been profoundly thoughtful, positive, and inspiring. We were never under any pressure to “conform.” The desire to belong to a church community in which to grow our faith and evolve as spiritual beings seemed to happen almost organically, like it was just naturally “the way it should be.” And because my parents made sure attending worship (Sunday School, confirmation, and other church activities) was joyful, following their example was a no-brainer––to the point that on this past Easter, I ushered with my 87-year-old dad at the 11 o’clock service. I was just so into the moment of being in this special place that was filled to the brim with people.
Can you think of an occurrence or two related to the church that might be considered what we are calling “foundational moments,” which are personal, church-related developments that have impacted, changed, influenced (etc.) your life?
Three specific moments during my life at Faith were particularly foundational. The first occurred when I was an acolyte. I was around 12 years old. I thoroughly enjoyed being an acolyte—participating in the offering and communion, lighting the candles at the start of the service and extinguishing them at the end, filling the font with water for baptisms, carrying banners as part of Easter morning processions. About those banners. One Easter I was excited to be carrying one of two beautiful banners as part of the procession led by the pastors. The church was practically bursting with the triumphant sound of the organ, and trumpets melded with hundreds of voices singing. I carried that banner right up to the front of the church, placed it in its stand and turned to take my seat. And down came the banner! You can imagine my horror! Easter Sunday, and I was the acolyte whose banner had come crashing down! That was it! I determined right then and there that I would never, ever again process in carrying a banner! I was inconsolable. My dad couldn’t change my mind. Pastor Youngquist couldn’t change my mind. I continued my duties as an acolyte, but for at least a month following I was pretty sure everyone in church knew me as the kid whose banner had fallen over on Easter morning! The next spring, about three weeks before Easter, Pastor Youngquist called my folks to ask me a special favor. He wanted me to carry a banner in the Easter morning procession. He was kind and encouraging, and he told me he knew I could do it. I was aghast, but saying “no” to Pastor Youngquist wasn’t an option. Three weeks of dread ensued. That morning, I was determined to do my best. Processing in, I felt more at ease. I carried that banner right up to the front of the church, placed it in its stand, and turned to take my seat. And down came the banner…again! But this time, surprisingly, I wasn’t overcome with horror and embarrassment like the year before. Instead, an odd sort of tranquility came over me. I picked up the banner, secured it in its stand, and took my seat. At that moment I realized two things: 1) That it’s easier to roll with life’s embarrassing moments than to let them roll over you; and 2) that we tend to forget God has an amazing, quirky sense of humor, especially at times when we are the butt of the joke!
Another foundational moment involved a time when I had a serious health scare that turned out to be a false alarm. But while Arlene and I were waiting to know the outcome of tests, I drove over to the church one afternoon and sat in the dark, quiet nave. I reflected, pondered, and prayed. Being there was positively restorative! I also spent time talking with the church nurse, Sue Cheshire, whose words were so calming and reassuring. When I went home, I felt like no matter what the test results showed Arlene and I were not alone and that we would have the strength to deal with it. I’m happy to say all is well that ends well. Since that day, the feeling I have whenever I’m in our church building is one of absolute peace, especially when it’s quiet and mostly empty of people, and I acutely feel God’s presence all around.
Finally, it was foundational to serve on the church Council as secretary for the last four years. In the best possible way, I will never view the church the same way I did before that experience. Each month this devoted group of church members was blessed with the wisdom, courage, compassion, and strength to accomplish our agenda on behalf of the congregation. And each month the experience was equal parts exhausting, humbling, and exhilarating.
We all think of the church’s main mission as one of saving souls. Can you think of examples where this church has stepped outside those boundaries to further establish itself as a pillar of the community?
I don’t think Faith has ever felt bound by what some may view as the church’s traditional role of “saving souls.” With God’s divine providence, Faith Church not only “saves souls” but feeds, informs, nurtures, shapes, and fuels them…and that’s just the start! Additionally, members have always been encouraged to work on others’ behalf through organizations and initiatives such as PADs, Faith House, DuPage United, the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry, Feed Our Starving Children, God's Work Our Hands, and by participating in Crop Walks and on mission trips, even if it means stepping outside their comfort zones.
How has your faith been nurtured and sustained at Faith to shape you into the man you have become, one who reflects the teachings of the church?
In reference to everything just mentioned, I would add the following: Faith Church has been formative in my development as a person and as a Christian. I’ve needed a lot of work (don’t we all!), and there’s more to accomplish. The evolving, learning, and growing only stop when we no longer have a say in the matter. I take great comfort, though, in knowing that Faith, its pastors, and its members will be there on my journey.
During my 61 years at Faith, I have been surrounded and shaped by wonderful examples. My parents’ large group of friends come readily to mind—the Stimes, Rahms, Lauths, Henningers, and so many other amazing Christians—who I met and grew up with at Faith. These folks, sometimes intentionally and other times unknowingly, instilled in me the value and importance of belonging to a church community. They showed me how to comport myself within that community. How to give back. I always looked up to them, and to this day I appreciate the role they played in my becoming who I am as a member of Faith and of the larger community.
Based on the congregation’s past and what you know about its present, what’s your level of optimism for the church’s future?
That’s a moving target. I think Faith Lutheran Church is as strong as the people who lead it, both pastoral and lay. Right now, I think our pastors––Pastor Shelly and Pastor Joe––are the dynamic duo. They are an amazing team. I love listening to both of them preach. I love the way they interact during a service. Having worked with them on Council, I just think they are so bright and so passionate. And they are youthful. It’s just awesome. You have them and Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry Kayla Feil and Office Administrator Eric Enskat. Oh, and Dr. Zach Zwahlen following Todd Carrico as Director of Music. All have been astounding. I think the Council is in good hands. So you have these incredible people. It’s courageous in the way they are bringing church to life for all of us. So right now it’s like all the stars are in alignment and the church is in great shape, but I think with the congregation we have, there is an energy and vibe now, and it’s partly attributed to youthfulness and passion. I see a very bright future for Faith. And I also see the involvement in the community that’s so important to Faith Church and its members. I think that also is going to make Faith very healthy and strong going forward.
There are many who agree wholeheartedly with Bettin’s assessment as the people of Faith, “Alive Together in Christ,” embark on a spiritual journey to the next 75 years.
Amen!
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Bob Hawkinson
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*Formerly: Stories of Triumph and Inspiration